SoulTracks Looks Back: Zapp gets going on “Doo Wa Ditty”

zapp_doo_wa_ditty

Another of the great groups that arguably made Ohio the funk capital of the US in the 80s, Zapp was one of the most popular bands of the 80s and also launched a notable solo career for its leader, Roger Troutman. And while that group had a bunch of #1 hits, one of our favorites was dance jam, “Doo Wa Ditty.” Check it out below!

Biography

Formed in the late 70s in Dayton by brothers Roger, Lester, Larry and Tony Troutman, Zapp exploded out of the box with their 1980 self-titled debut album, which featured the #1 hit “More Bounce to the Ounce.”  Produced by funk legend Bootsy Collins, the song featured Roger Troutman’s lead channeled through a “talk box,” which twisted the vocals into a mechanized, computerized sound.  It became a Zapp trademark sound, and was the vocal basis for a string of danceable hits that took the 70s Parliament/Bootsy sound to an even more aloof, futuristic level… Read entire biography

 

 

Video

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Listen Now!

The Fresh Soul Playlist

from SoulTracks.com

Choice Cut

Heidi Tann

"Coffee On Your Sleeves"

The SoulTracks Radio Guide

Soul Music stations around the World

Transitions

50 Artists who have died in 2026

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.